A sunny spring morning led more than a hundred Rotarians to Kalastajatorppa on 18 April 2026 to hear speakers on the theme Youth and the Future. The day was opened by Virpi Honkala with greetings from Rotary International and a reminder of the importance of eradicating polio. The proceeds from the day’s raffle were donated to the PolioPlus program.
Our energetic host, Gunnar Toomemets, kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day.
Christian Wentzel from Aseman Lapset and high school student Sonia Lindenius described the current reality of young people – its challenges as well as its opportunities. Both emphasized that young people need adults who pause, listen and offer support.
The Impact of World Politics on Young People
Director Kristi Raik and Ukraine’s Ambassador Mykhailo Vydoinyk examined global shifts and how they affect youth. They highlighted the importance of partnerships, a rules based world order and the use of new technologies. Young people’s resilience must be strengthened through dialogue and support.
Vydoinyk reminded the audience that the schooling of 7.5 million young people in Ukraine has been severely disrupted by the war. Underground schools and remote learning urgently require laptops – an area where Rotarians can help. Rotarians from Tallinn shared that they are organizing a summer camp in Estonia for Ukrainian youth.
The Future of Education and Digital Skills
Estonia’s Ambassador Janne Jöesaar Ruusalu emphasized digital competencies and the strength of the start up culture. Member of Parliament Tuula Haatainen highlighted the need for the new curriculum: by 2040 Finland will have 100,000 fewer schoolchildren than today. Learning to learn, new teaching methods and the use of artificial intelligence are central.
Member of Parliament Pia Kauma praised Ukrainians’ adaptability and reminded that Finns and Estonians have also overcome major changes throughout history. She called for the same perseverance in building society. Major General Kalnitski stressed the importance of early education and broad societal participation – young people are a resource already today, including in national defense.
Participation, Nature and Friendship Across Borders
Professor Iryna Honcharenko and Hannele Kauranne emphasized active engagement – for young people and for nature. Rotary is friendship across borders; together we can make our work even more visible and impactful.
During the breaks, cheerful conversations filled the venue, and the vibrant presence of exchange students brought warmth to the event. Five young members of the Harjumaa Interact Club presented their projects convincingly. As a surprise, Rotary friends from Nigeria also joined the event. The day concluded with a panel led by Saija Äikäs, summarizing the reflections inspired by the presentations.
Evening Celebration
In the evening, participants gathered in the round hall of Kalastajatorppa to enjoy Indonesian dance, good food and music by Duo Vilja & Elona. Virpi Honkala’s festive speech was joyful and touching. The evening was hosted by Martin Heinrichs and Tatyana Pichulina, who awarded wonderful prizes in the raffle. Governor Jere Jantunen presented the traditional recognitions and PHF awards. The atmosphere was warm, and international cooperation was visible and tangible.
